October 11, 2023 |
Photo – Kyle Berkshire – Courtesy Kyle Berkshire Profile
Long drive golf champion Kyle Berkshire broke two world records at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course in Rawlins.
Berkshire hit a golf ball 579 yards, farther than anyone on the planet. Later that same day, Berkshire hit the world’s fastest golf ball, at 241.6 miles an hour.
At the October 3rd Rawlins city council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon said Berkshire was originally planned to attempt the world record distance shot from the 14th hole. Sehon said poor weather required Berkshire to switch to his backup location, the green of hole 12. The parks and rec director said he is planning to place a marker where Berkshire hit from and another where his record-breaking ball landed.
Sehon said at first he was disappointed that Berkshire chose to hit from the green of hole 12. The parks and rec director said he wanted to install a plaque at the beginning of hole 14. Sehon said he quickly realized that more players will see the markers on the 12th hole green.
Sehon said Discover Carbon County, formerly known as Carbon County Visitor’s Council, gave Berkshire a $10,000 check. The parks and rec director said the professional golfer immediately donated the entire amount to various organizations in and around Rawlins.
Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course. Sehon said Berkshire wants to return in 2024 and try to hit for 600 yards. The parks and rec director also said he is considering holding a future long drive competition from the same location Berkshire hit from.
